Chapter 2: Hidden Allies
Location: Castle Acorn
Twenty minutes later…
Alerted to what had just transpired, King Maximillian awaited the arrival of the Knothole Freedom Fighters. He wasn't the only one occupying the Royal Study, as NICOLE had manifested herself within the room. The black and brown furred Lynx had adopted a far more simplistic look, meant to alleviate the strain her manifestation put on the castle's systems. Her outfit currently consisted of a single-shoulder purple wrap dress that flared out at the knees, with orange and purple beads in her long black hair. The doors to the chamber were abruptly shoved open, allowing Sally to enter alongside her comrades.
"What seems to be the situation, dear?" he inquired.
"We were just paid a visit from Bokkun. He delivered this flash drive."
Handing the device over to the Artificial Intelligence, NICOLE immediately plugged it into the console before her. Initiating a Virus Scan, she confirmed that there wasn't any malicious data embedded in the files.
"Everything's clean," she announced.
Accessing the files, the Lynx projected vid-windows throughout the Royal Study for everyone to see. Able to process the information faster then her organic counterparts, NICOLE already had a firm grasp of its contents.
"…Well this is interesting."
"What is it, NICOLE?" Sally asked.
"The information here details a group of humans who departed Station Square approximately twelve hundred years ago."
"Strange that the President never thought to mention this to us," Sonic commented.
"It was twelve centuries ago," NICOLE answered, "This occurred long before Station Square became part of the United Federation."
A political hegemony, the United Federation governed the remaining human settlements scattered across Mobius. Its existence had remained a state secret, but recent events had compromised that security. Forced to reveal themselves, the President believed that a united front was better then hiding. By ending that policy, they had unfortunately made themselves a target for Robotnik's ever-expanding empire. However, with technology on par with Eggman, it allowed them to maintain a state of cold war with the Doctor.
"What prompted their departure?" Queen Alicia asked, having entered the room.
"Station Square was suffering from overpopulation at the time, which was the catalyst for their departure."
"Any idea who might be leading them?"
"Currently unknown, Rotor. But during the exodus, they were led by a man named Doran Routhe."
Opening her mouth to make an inquiry, Amy was immediately cut off by the Artificial Intelligence.
"He was a scientist with ties to Station Square's municipal government," she answered, "Under his leadership, 56,000 humans boarded four transport ships and departed the city."
"Is there any information as to where they wound up?" Tails inquired.
"They ended up on the Efrikan Continent; more specifically Murasia."
"Murasia is vastly unexplored, it's not difficult to see how they could've remained undetected all this time," King Acorn stated.
Comprising of the central region of Eastern Efrika, Murasia had miles of territory that they would need to search.
"Sure," Sonic said, "But that doesn't explain why they didn't show up to help fight off the Xorda or the Black Arms."
The hedgehog certainly had a point, with Mobius having nearly faced annihilation on two separate occasions. Perhaps they had suffered internal issues that had prevented them from rendering assistance, or there were other reasons.
"The question remains; would they be willing to join our alliance against the tyranny of Dr. Eggman?" the Queen questioned.
"There's only one way for us to know for sure," the Lynx commented.
"Send me. I represented the Kingdom when we negotiated with Station Square in accepting those Overlander refugees."
"I would in a heartbeat," the King said, "But I'm obligated to present this information to the council."
"Having second thoughts about relinquishing absolute power, Your Kingliness?"
Maximillian shot the hedgehog a disapproving look, not appreciating Sonic's flippant disregard to Royal Etiquette.
"It did make things easier, but watching the city nearly tear itself apart has shown me the need for our subjects to have a voice."
"Will you be convening the council, darling?" Alicia asked.
"I hate the idea of reconvening the Council so late, but this isn't something that can be postponed."
Sally watched her father bite down on his lower lip, likely mulling over what options he had available.
"NICOLE, contact the Councilors and disseminate this information to them," he instructed, "We'll hold a teleconference once I've returned to the Royal Apartment."
"I'll begin doing so immediately," NICOLE stated, winking out of existence.
"What do you need us to do, Daddy?"
"I don't imagine the Councilors would object to the idea of sending you to meet with potential allies. Prepare yourselves to depart tomorrow."
Watching as her mother wheeled her father out of the Royal Study, Sally turned to address her comrades.
"What's the plan, Sally-Girl?" Bunnie asked.
"I think we're going to need to speak with Professor Thorndyke," she replied, "Has that issue with the long-range communications been resolved?"
Had NICOLE not been preoccupied, she would've been able to confirm that the systems were operational.
"We were still working on it before I took my dinner break with you guys," Rotor admitted, "Just give me a minute and I'll radio the Science Center."
Turning away from them, the Walrus used his wrist-communicator to contact the science team. A brief conversation ensued, with a disappointed expression appearing on Rotor's face.
"They've figured out what's the problem, but it's not an easy fix."
"I've got equipment for long range communications back at my workshop," the twin-tailed Fox announced.
"All right. You two head over there and grab what you need. Sonic, I want you to go lend them a hand."
"On it, Sal."
As the trio departed, the remaining Freedom Fighters could do little but to await their return.